Dealing With Frozen Pipes
Why Does a Plumbing System Freeze?
Plumbing systems only freeze in very cold weather. It must get to 31°F or lower, in order to cause pipes to freeze. When it gets to be cold outside, pay attention to the thermometer, and if it begins to drop too low, take prevention measures to keep your pipes from freezing.
Certain pipes freeze because they don't have the proper insulation, don't have enough warmth to keep them from freezing, or the material used to make the pipes, lets them freeze easier. If a plumbing system freezes, you can have many more problems, than just having no water to use.
How Can I Prevent This?
It's very easy to prevent plumbing systems from freezing, but it depends on several factors. If your plumbing is inside the home, make sure they are well insulated, in order to keep the pipes from freezing. Those who have plumbing underneath a sink, can wrap insulation around the plumbing, or keep the sink open, to get warm air from inside the home. Running your heat during times of cold weather is the best way to prevent pipes from freezing. Those who choose to go on vacation during the winter, should designate someone to watch over their home, and to keep the heat running periodically.
If the heat is even running for an hour or so a day, it can help to keep the pipes from freezing, especially if warm water is running out of the pipes for a period of time. Never leave a home completely unattended in the winter months; have someone come every couple days or so, to make sure the pipes are not frozen, or if they are, that no leaks are present. If you can't get someone to watch your home, set the thermostat to turn the heat on automatically, when the temperature gets too low.
Why Is It Important To Keep This From Happening?
No one likes to pay extra bills if they don't have to, and a broken pipe that leaks, can be a very big extra bill. Broken pipes can cost money to replace, and be expensive, but leaking pipes, cost a lot more. Leaking pipes can lead to flooding if it goes undetected. Flooding can cost a massive amount of money to fix the damage, and you'll be without water during the time the repairs are taking place.
Is the cold Trinity winter making you think about the security of your plumbing system? Call Roman Plumbing today at (727) 858-3412 for top quality frozen pipe services.